Singer-songwriter Siergio is “Rated Next.” The emerging R&B artist, based in Atlanta, has been on his grind to expand his fan base. He has built a big buzz online by releasing covers of popular songs including “Lotus Flower Bomb,” which received nearly 700,000 views on YouTube.
With a new EP on the way, we had a chance to chop it up with the R&B newcomer. During our interview, Siergio talked about how he got his start with music, his inspiration for writing songs, his forthcoming The Night Before EP, and more.
Check out our interview below.
How did you get started with music
It started about when I was about 5 years old. I developed the technique of singing. My sister found out then she told my family. I just started taking it seriously about two years ago and I’ve never stopped.
What sets apart from other R&B artists?
My tone. Growing up I’ve always loved people who had a different tone – Anita Baker, Donny Hathaway, Brandy. Another thing is my music speaks to so many people. Just knowing that my music has reached China, Africa, and of course the United States, to me that’s crazy because for me to be up and coming, there’s something in my music that is able to touch everybody from.
As a singer-songwriter, where do you get your inspiration to write songs?
I find most of my inspiration from my personal experiences. I feel like the best music is music that people can relate to. I think that we all go through similar things so when I sing I like to sing about different things I know others are going through.
Out of all the songs you’ve written, which is the most personal to you?
It’s called “I’ll Be Back.” I’m telling my girl that I’ll be back. Like just give me some time, I’m going to go do something but I’ll be back shortly. I just wrote this song at a time in my life where I just needed some Siergio time. I was just going through so much. I just wanted her to know that the love had never stopped but I just needed to find me and find myself in music. It’ll be on my upcoming project…my vocal delivery on the song is crazy but also the subject because sometimes you have to walk away from something to see how much it means to you.
Tell me more about your Night Before and The Morning After EPs.
The Night Before…basically, I tried to put everybody in the mood of having a great night – wining and dining – coming home and you’re with somebody, you’re having a good time. At the end of the project, there’s a breakup…the whole project is just a big relationship….different experiences in the relationship…coming in November….
The Morning After is how you deal with what’s going on and how you will deal with it.
Okay. I got you. Keeping the theme of your EP in mind, you recently released your new single called “Long Night.” Where does that stand on the EP?
(laughs) I think “Long Night” is definitely the first track because it put me in the place of the project …it’s a smooth song, sexy song. It definitely kicks off the project
So, what’s the follow-up to a “Long Night”?
(laughs) It’s called “Break Up to Make Love” and that’s the last song on the project. It’s just basically touches on me and this girl was together – our relationship was the best when we broke up… we would make up by making love. That song is crazy. It’s like a club banger but a smooth R&B track.
Listen to “Long Night” by Siergio
You’ve opened for some pretty big names in R&B – Monica, Fantasia, Luke James. What was your experience like?
I was so thankful for being able to open for someone I looked up to – Monica. Just to be on the same bill with people who paved the way for me, I just felt like there was room for everybody. There was room for Siergio. It was the greatest experience in my life..
You’re pretty popular online. Your Lotus Flower Bomb cover got hundreds of thousands of hits. How did that come about?
When I did the song, I didn’t really expect it to take off like it did. Everybody kept saying that they thought it was me on the record. Everybody was like ‘I heard you on the radio’ I checked out this song and was like it was an amazing…Miguel, I have listened to him for so long…I was like I had to put my touch on this song…I didn’t expect it take off like that but I guess that’s just one of those things where the music touches people and goes viral. “Lotus Flower Bomb” introduced so many people to me.
What’s next for Siergio?
I want to secure a firm situation with a label I’ve been doing the unsigned thing for a long time and I think now with the buzz that I have now, and the projects I have coming out, now is the time to find a place to call home.
Siergio’s The Night Before EP is slated to drop sometime in November. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @Siergio.
how is this kid not signed? and who is his PR person? he speaks very well..even though i cant hear him..he has good answers! i am excited about his music! i am subscribing on youtube
I think he could be come my favorite male artist. his voice >>>>>>
IM HERE FOR SIERGIO